The Present is a Present

I never liked talking on the phone with my mother because she never listened. She was just holding her breath waiting to talk.  She even complained that her mother did the same thing. I refuse to talk to people on the phone unless I absolutely have to. I have two friends who are amazing listeners, fully present. They inspire me to be fully attentive.

When people talk listen completely. Don’t be thinking what you’re going to say. Most people never listen. Nor do they observe. You should be able to go into a room and when you come out know everything that you saw there and not only that. If that room gave you any feeling you should know exactly what it was that gave you that feeling. Try that for practice. When you’re in town stand outside the theatre and see how the people differ in the way they get out of taxis or motor cars. There are a thousand ways to practice. And always think of other people.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY